“I heard that our state is considering marijuana legalization this year. . . " “It’s crazy how accepted marijuana has become in just the past 5-10 years, right?” “Growing up, did you ever imagine people would be able to buy weed in a store?"[1] X Research source

It helps lower or lessen anxiety and stress. It stokes your creative side. [2] X Research source It eases chronic aches, pains, and sores. [3] X Research source

Alaska Arizona California Colorado Illinois Maine Massachusetts Michigan Montana Nevada New Jersey Oregon South Dakota Vermont Washington Washington D. C. [4] X Research source

A complete list of decriminalized states can be found here.

What is compelling you to tell your parents? Whatever it is, you should let them know. No matter their response, letting them know that you felt it important to talk to them shows your trust and openness.

Of course, you may not have the luxury of waiting if you get caught smoking. That said, you can also wait and re-introduce the topic several days later, after the anger has passed, if you still have more to say.

“I wanted to talk to you guys about something before you find out, and I know that I can trust you to listen. " “This isn’t a big deal, but I wanted to let you guys know that I smoke marijuana occasionally. " “I know you guys trust me to make good decisions, and I just wanted to talk to you a bit about my decision to smoke marijuana.

Because marijuana research is relatively new, new studies are coming out all of the time. Google “marijuana studies” every now and then to get more concrete evidence for your discussion if needed.

There are almost no known cases of marijuana attributed deaths in the world and has no known effect on mortality rates.

There is no evidence that being high causes criminal behavior. But alcohol is a factor in 40% of all violent crimes in the United States. [9] X Research source Whereas tobacco use significantly decreases lung capacity, marijuana has been shown to actually increase user’s lung capacity. [10] X Research source

A common misconception is that using marijuana leads to intoxication and impairment. In reality, the effects of THC (the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) depend on the dose. A therapeutic effect can be achieved using a dose low enough to avoid intoxication.

Greater control over strains leads to specific, medical uses of weed and more precise highs which can target specific maladies, such as the famous Charlotte’s Web strain that fights childhood seizures. [12] X Research source Most people who use medical marijuana enjoy products that are taken orally, like gummies, tablets, and tinctures. Increase revenue from marijuana acceptance brings in billions of tax dollars that previously only benefited drug traffickers. [13] X Research source

Ask them if they ever smoked marijuana. If so, why did they smoke? Why did they stop? If they want to know what, why, or how you smoke, be honest. If they feel like you’re hiding something, they feel like there is some dark secret that they don’t know.

Most parents think marijuana is still a big deal, and dangerous. It will take some time to realize that this isn’t the case.

Even if you parents are okay with smoking, you don’t need to flaunt it or do it first thing every day. They will appreciate if you don’t always smell like weed. Show them that you can be productive while high, either by doing chores, cooking, working on a hobby, or exercising. Don’t be a couch potato and they have no reason to get mad. [14] X Research source